Parking in Brisbane
Learn about passenger drop-off areas, conditions for free parking and restrictions for parking throughout the inner city.
About parking in Brisbane
Council regulates parking in Brisbane to help keep our roads safe and accessible for all users.
Parking zones and restrictions across the city encourage:
- improved traffic flow
- turnover of parking spaces to support local businesses
- fair access to parking near shops and services.
Most residential parking in our suburbs is not regulated, provided you park your vehicle legally.
Certain areas, such as the CBD and roads around sporting facilities, universities and hospitals, have restricted parking. This enables residents of these areas to park in these locations.
Our Parking Guide to Brisbane provides useful information to help you park safely and legally on Brisbane streets.
There are general parking rules that apply to all public streets.
These rules ensure all roads and footpaths can be used safely by motorists and pedestrians.
When parking, do not:
Ignoring these rules is considered illegal parking. You could receive a fine and your vehicle could be towed.
Where to park in Brisbane
Brisbane’s inner city offers different parking options, including paid street parking, Council car parks, motorcycle parking and special-use zones.
Finding a place to park depends on what you need to do and how long you need to park for.
If in doubt, always refer to street parking signs or parking meters and comply with road markings.
Passenger loading zones (2-minute zones)
If you need to drop off or pick up passengers, you can use a passenger loading zone.
Find a passenger loading zone using our map.
Free 15-minute parking
You can park for free for 15 minutes at more than 7,500 metered parking spaces outside the CBD. Free 15-minute parking is also available at Council’s 2 car parks within the CBD.
If you’re parking on the street, you still need to register at a parking meter or via the CellOPark parking app.
Council car parks
If you need to stop for longer than 15 minutes, you can look for parking in Council car parks.
Council operates 2 car parks in Brisbane City. Located at King George Square and Wickham Terrace, both car parks are open 7 days a week, including most public holidays.
On-street parking
Parking on the street in Brisbane’s inner areas is regulated.
If you want to park on the street, make sure you understand the rules and time limits for the location you’re in.
Check if you're in a traffic area or regulated parking area
To manage on-street parking demands, there are different designated traffic and parking areas across Brisbane.
Large signs located on each area’s boundaries explain the conditions that apply.
Generally, you can park for 2 hours (unless otherwise indicated by signage) during the following times:
- 7am–6pm, Monday to Friday
- 7am–12 noon, Saturdays.
Pay attention to parking signs and road markings
Parking restrictions are also conveyed by parking signs and road markings.
Green parking signs will tell you when you are allowed to park under certain conditions. These include time limits and days when restrictions apply.
Red parking signs will tell you when you are not allowed to park unless you are:
- driving a certain type of vehicle
- performing a specific action as indicated on signs, such as dropping off or picking up passengers.
Yellow ‘No stopping’ lines apply to all vehicles at all times.
Pay for parking
Check parking meters for fees and limits when you park.
You can pay for on-street parking:
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at a parking meter
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by using the CellOPark parking.
Regulated parking areas and permits
Brisbane is divided into parking permit areas to help manage street parking in places where it’s in high demand.
Residential parking permits
People who live within Traffic Areas, Parking Areas or Regulated Parking Permit Areas may be eligible to apply for a resident parking permit for a fee.
Other parking permits include:
- visitor parking permit
- fleet parking permit
- carer parking permit.
Vehicles that have a valid parking permit are exempt from area-wide parking time limits.
Parking for sporting events or concerts
Brisbane’s major stadiums host a range of sporting and entertainment events.
These special events can bring additional traffic to local areas, making it difficult for residents to access on-street parking.
Restrictions and regulations come into force on event days to help manage parking.
If you’re a resident, you can apply for a residential parking permit.
If you’re attending an event, check the relevant Traffic Area or street parking signs for conditions.
Disability permit parking
Australian Disability Parking Scheme permit holders can park in all Council metered or regulated parking areas for free. Conditions apply.
Find disability permit on-street parking in the Brisbane CBD using our map.
Tips for parking in Brisbane
Parking rules and restrictions help to keep our streets safe and accessible for all road users.
When you’re parking in Brisbane, keep these tips in mind.
- Look out for signs indicating you’re entering a Traffic Area or Parking Area. Area-wide parking limits and regulations apply, unless signed otherwise on a street parking sign.
- Check street parking signs for restrictions on where you can park, how long you can park and if you have to pay for parking.
- Never stop or park in a clearway, an area signed ‘No stopping’, a taxi zone, a bus zone or on yellow ‘No stopping’ line.
- Never stop or park in a way that blocks or partially obstructs a driveway, including the portion of a driveway that is on Council land.
Find more information about parking rules, street signs and road markings.
Download the Parking Guide to Brisbane
Council’s Parking Guide to Brisbane provides useful information to help you park safely and legally on Brisbane streets, including:
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common parking signs explained
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general parking rules
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a map of Brisbane’s inner-city parking permit areas
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how to pay or dispute a parking fine.
Helpful links
Frequently asked questions
It’s free to park for up to 15 minutes at more than 7,500 metered parking spaces in the city.
Council’s car parks at Wickham Terrace and King George Square in Brisbane City also offer free 15-minute parking.
If you want to park for longer than 15 minutes, paid street and off-street parking is available in high-demand areas. These include the CBD, Fortitude Valley and South Bank.
Check street parking signs for metered parking hours and to confirm whether you need to pay.
Learn more about where to park in Brisbane City.